A Benin-based Orthopedic Doctor, Dr Ahabue Iwinosa, has advised adults to stay active and maintain healthy weight to avoid osteoarthritis.
He said that osteoarthritis is a mechanical condition characterised by gradual wearing down of cartilage in the joints and the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide.
Arthritis, on the other hand, is not caused by the normal wear and tear of bones but inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that can worsen with age.
According to him, osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wear down over time.
The orthopedic added that that “although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine.
“Osteoarthritis symptoms can usually be managed, although the damage to joints cannot be reversed.
“Staying active, maintaining healthy weight and receiving certain treatments might slow progression of the disease and help to reduce pain.”
Iwinosa said that symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, tenderness, loss of flexibility, grating sensation, bone spurs and swelling.
He said osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time if not treated.